Warning Signs of Pancreatic Cancer
Updated On Feb 08, 2021
The pancreas is an organ lying behind the lower part of the stomach, i.e., and the cancer of the pancreas is known as pancreatic cancer. It forms in the cells of the pancreas. It begins in the pancreatic tissues. The pancreas release enzymes that help and play a major part in the human digestive process. It also produces hormones that help in managing blood sugar content in the body.
Pancreatic cancer does not have any signs in the early stages, hence it is mostly detected in the later stages of cancer. Its spread is rapid, and it has a poor prognosis. The symptoms in the later stages are also not specific or particular; they are loss of appetite and weight loss in most cases.
Treatment may be done by a medical professional. Primarily, lab tests and imaging are required to study the particular case of cancer. Then treatments are provided, which include surgically removing the pancreas, radiation, and chemotherapy. The treatment provided is costly and one of the major reasons why health insurance is advised.
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Who is at a Risk of Pancreatic Cancer?
An individual is more likely to develop pancreatic cancer if he:
- Has a family history of particular cancer(specifically the BRCA2 gene mutation)
- Is overweight or obese
- Is a smoker
- Often works with or around certain pesticides and other chemicals.
- Is a diabetic
- Is older, like more than 65 years of age as he is more likely to develop this condition at these ages.
Warning Signs of Pancreatic Cancer
The warning signs that are generally observed in pancreatic cancer patients are:
1. Jaundice: Pancreatic cancer blocks the duct that releases bile into the intestine, i.e., the bile duct. This causes a build-up of the contents of the bile in the blood. This causes skin yellowness and also causes the eyes to appear yellow in color as well. This condition is known as Jaundice. This same blockage may also result in dark urine, light-colored stools, and itching.
2. Abdominal Pain: Cancer can cause a light aching feel in the upper abdomen, which sometimes affects the back as well. It is a radiating pain, which comes and goes.
3. Back Pain: Patients often experience back pain as a symptom, among other ones. This may appear as mild pain or chronic pain.
4. Bloating: Some individuals experience a sense of fullness in their meals much earlier than they usually would. They can also experience uncomfortable swelling in their abdomen.
Pancreatic cancer can also show whole-body symptoms like:
- Weight loss
- Malaise
- Elevated blood sugars: Some patients develop diabetes as the ability of the pancreas to produce Insulin decreases and causes an increase in blood sugar levels.
The thing to keep in mind is that if an individual has a few or more symptoms from the ones listed above, it does not necessarily mean that the person has pancreatic cancer, but it is a possibility.
Conclusion
People suffering from any of the conditions listed above should necessarily get their check-ups done and consult their personal physicians. There are many treatments available. The best one would be recommended to them, and the necessary dietary and lifestyle changes are to be made in order to obtain the best results.
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Disclaimer: This article is issued in general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.
